On April 7, 2025, Anamaria Sayre captured a magical performance by Bad Bunny at the Tiny Desk, transporting listeners straight to Puerto Rico. Although performed within a Washington, D.C. news building, Bad Bunny’s rendition felt deeply rooted in his homeland, thanks to his vivid artistic vision.

For Bad Bunny, Puerto Rico is not just home; it’s a sacred muse that fuels his work and message to the world. Surrounded by the soulful sounds of cuatros and congas, he channels the spirit of Puerto Rican culture, echoing the music and lelolai rhythms that have been passed down through generations.

During the emotional performance of “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” Bad Bunny shared a story about a man entranced by his band’s music outside the White House. The story emphasizes the resilience and enduring presence of Puerto Rican culture despite a century of colonization.

The Puerto Rican flag, vibrant in its defiant blue, symbolizes resistance and pride, themes echoed in songs like “LA MuDANZA.” With his global reach, Bad Bunny’s true gift remains his ability to create an intimate connection, inviting listeners to fall in love with Puerto Rico as they exclaim alongside him, “Yo soy de P f** R!” This passion makes even those not of Puerto Rican descent feel a profound connection.

SET LIST

• “PIToRRO DE COCO”
• “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR”
• “KLOuFRENS”
• “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii”
• “LA MuDANZA”

MUSICIANS

• Bad Bunny: vocals
• Luis Sanz: cuatro puertorriqueño, tiple, bordonúa, background vocals
• Fabiola Méndez: cuatro puertorriqueño, tiple, bordonúa, background vocals
• Emanuel Santana: güicharo, Pandero de plena, maracas, background vocals
• Julito Gastón: congas
• Krystal Santana: bass, background vocals
• Luis Amed Irizarry: piano
• Jay Anthony: bongos, percussion

TINY DESK TEAM

• Producer: Anamaria Sayre
• Director/Editor: Kara Frame
• Audio Technical Director: Josh Newell
• Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
• Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Keren Carrión, Zayrha Rodriguez
• Audio Engineer: Josephine Nyounai
• Production Assistants: Ashley Pointer, Dora Levite
• Photographer: Virginia Lozano
• Tiny Desk Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
• VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins

tinydesk #nprmusic #badbunny

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